In this week’s episode, we’ll…

• Recap a congressional tour of the Weber River Watershed Resilience Project that happened this week.
  
• Cover the 2023 Behavioral Health Area Plan that was presented to Council on Wednesday.
  
• Talk about Child Care Provider Appreciation Day and Mental Health Awareness Month
  
• Remind you about two exciting events you should have on your calendars, Summit County!
  

Weber River Watershed Tour  

[Bridget] 

First up, Summit County’s Public Lands office, which is headed by Jessica Kirby, has been working on a cross-boundary, landscape-scale fire mitigation and watershed restoration project in the headwaters of the Weber River. The project is in partnership with the US Forest Service, local water districts, state agencies, and nonprofit organizations. 

 [Derek]

The project is garnering attention statewide and at the federal level as the partnership works to build a fund for fuel reduction treatments to make the watershed more resilient to catastrophic wildfire, preserving this critical drinking water source for residents of Summit County and those downstream. 

 [Bridget] 

On Monday, May 2, Summit County hosted staff members from the offices of Senator Mitt Romney, Representative Blake Moore, and Representative John Curtis for a tour of the watershed to get a closer look at the Weber River Watershed Resilience Project. The purpose of this outing was to showcase Summit County’s collaboration and strong partnerships around watershed restoration, forest health, and to bring attention to the need to address wildfire mitigation within the headwaters of western Summit County’s drinking water supply. 

 2023 Behavioral Health Area Plan 

[Derek] 

Now, moving into a recap of this week’s County Council meeting.  

 The meeting kicked off with a presentation of the 2023 Behavioral Health Area Plan. Every year the County Behavioral Health Team has to submit this document to the State of Utah. The document outlines the programs and services that the County is required to provide by Utah state code.  

 [Bridget] 

A new program was included in this plan called THRIVE. The program is a partnership with the Live Like Sam Foundation, the school districts, and the University of Utah. In practice, THRIVE creates small groups of elementary-aged students (10-15 person cohorts) that get together to learn, practice and apply evidence-based well being skills to help address issues of youth depression and anxiety.  

 [Derek] 

The Behavioral Health Team also reported that they’ve seen great success in breaking stigma within the Spanish-speaking population. However, this has resulted in higher demand for services received in Spanish which has caused wait times of up to six weeks. They also expect that 17% of clinicians in Summit County are expected to retire by 2025.  

 [Bridget] 

In the coming years, more attention and targeted improvements will have to be made in order to best serve the County’s Spanish speaking community and recruit new clinicians.  

 At the end of the discussion, Council approved the plan.  

 Proclamations  

 [Derek] 

Next up, a proclamation was read asking the Council to declare May 6, 2022 Child Care Provider Appreciation Day.  

 Over half the children under the age of six nationwide are estimated to spend some time in a nonparental care arrangement on a weekly basis. This care provides critical enrichment opportunities and nurtures development for children of all backgrounds. 

[Bridget] 

And, our future depends on the quality of the early childhood experiences provided to young children today. It’s important to recognize that support for high-quality child care represents a worthy commitment to our children’s future. 

[Derek]  

The proclamation was adopted by Council. We wanted to take a moment to recognize all Child Care Providers for their important work. Thank you for all you do.  

 [Bridget] 

Another proclamation was read asking the Council to declare May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month.  

 [Derek]  

Mental health is universal; it applies to everyone. In fact, an estimated 16,000 Summit County adults live with a mental health disorder and one out of every ten American children has a mental illness serious enough to impair how they function at home, at school, and with peers. It goes without question that the impact of mental illness reaches families, neighborhoods, schools, and the workplace.  

 [Bridget] 

This  proclamation was also adopted by Council. And, we want to take a moment to thank the many community organizations throughout the county that provide critical mental health resources for all residents. Please take care of your mental health by recognizing when you need help and seek treatment when necessary. You’re never alone!  

 Council Q+A  

 [Derek]  

Join Council members Roger Armstrong and Malena Stevens for a VIRTUAL Council Q+A on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 6:00-7:00 PM! 

 [Bridget] 

At the event, you’ll hear updates on the county-wide Open Space Bond, talk about the upcoming fire season, learn how to best navigate the County website and alert system, and have the opportunity to ask Roger + Malena questions about any topic important to you or that you’re curious about! 

 Trails, Trash  and Tunes

[Derek]  

And, finally, we invite you to come welcome springtime, give back to the Earth, and play on the Rail Trail with Summit County on Saturday, May 14 from 12-5 PM at the Wanship Trailhead. There will be live music provided by Mountain Town Music and sponsored by Blue Sky, a beer garden, and some kid-friendly activities as well.  

 [Bridget] 

We encourage walking or riding your bike along the Rail Trail to get to this event. If you must drive, there is limited parking available at the trailhead itself. Thanks to Summit County’s Stormwater Coalition, Community Development Department, and Facilities Department for putting on this event. We are excited to celebrate with you!